It is lovely to get out of Melbourne for a weekend. Warburton feels so green and restorative. Have you lived here long?

I was working for a company in Melbourne which ran marketing campaign that started with the line “Life is too short”. I heard that slogan everyday for months and then one day I thought… you are right – so I typed out my resignation letter and moved here soon after. That was in 2004.

Today I am excited to bring you TENANT’s birthday interview featuring Ben Alpass, the artist and designer behind the TENANT brand artwork and a human being whose talent has been known to leave me speechless, and/or swearing.

I met Ben in 2004 when we both worked for VFX and design powerhouse Iloura. I recall feeling generally impressed… Like I had stumbled across a talent to watch, a person who made going to work more fun – and the world a better place to boot.

The past decade has confirmed my initial impressions and has also taught me that behind Ben’s distinctive locks and sartorial style, lie a great sense of humour and a loyal, noble spirit. His appetite to learn and respect of creativity, whilst continually evolving his own, is an inspiration and a delight.

His talent is obvious to all who have the good fortune to work with him, and since going out on his own in 2012, Ben has been splitting his time in Melbourne and LA working for various design-led brands including Nike, Chanel and SBS TV.

Great outfit! You look dressed up and ready for… anything!Thanks! I am heading out to dinner and then I am off to see Rodriguez play at the Palace – down the road here in St. Kilda.You have an American accent. ‘Sugar Man’ was famously unknown in the States, despite having a cult following here and in South Africa. How were you introduced to his music?Yes you are right – I had never heard of him before I moved here, which is astounding as I was a committed festival goer and lover of live music in the States. My husband is Australian and he was the one who introduce me to his music.I watched the doco Searching For Sugar Man recently and found it an amazingly passionate story – full of human drama and spirit.Yes, it is a great doco and I really do think that true talent always finds an audience, one way or another.

Love the capes ladies, do they make you ride faster?No – but they make us smile!I love this Rid2Work Day initiative. Do you all ride to work often?Pretty often – some of the time – I usually walk but this event got me dusting off my bike and getting crafty!